Controversial transfer of Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala to eBongweni prison raises eyebrows

The recent transfer of controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala from the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria to the eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad has ignited public interest and raised numerous questions about the decision's underlying motives.

The announcement, made by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), confirmed that Matlala, who is accused of attempted murder, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder, was relocated to what has been described as South Africa’s most secure prison on December 21, 2025.

DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo stated that the transfer falls within standard operational procedures.

"The transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice, informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system," he said.

Nxumalo further stated that the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, is empowered by the Correctional Services Act to transfer or authorise the transfer of any inmate to a suitable facility within the Republic.

“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, the national commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant. This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands,” added Nxumalo.

eBongweni has a reputation for strict controls and has recorded minimal to no escapes since its establishment, underscoring its role in housing high‑risk inmates.

eBongweni C-Max is the country's super maximum security facility, where no inmate has ever escaped, as prisoners at the facility are kept under extreme security, including 23 hours a day in solitary confinement.

Matlala’s high‑profile case has drawn significant public attention following his arrest early this year and is scheduled resume before the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, in January 2026.

According to anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, the transfer, which has been kept under wraps for more than a week, reflects the department’s focus on maintaining secure detention conditions for inmates deemed to pose elevated security risks.

"The department is saying nothing is unusual about this move as it forms part of the safety and security measures. There has been a lot of speculation as to why he has been transferred. The department has also stated that they will comment further on this matter, which is understandable. I would assume that they have transferred him for safety and security reasons. It would be interesting to see what the real reason was behind it," he said.

Johannes Majoe, representing Exclusive Mediators, criticised the transfer, claiming it will lead to wasteful expenditure as Matlala is expected to return to the Gauteng High Court in January 2026.

"For someone who is still attending his trial, the transfer does not make sense, and this proves the point that there is something fishy and procedurally wrong with this move. We have not been told that he poses any threat to the system, except for the discovery of a cellphone in his cell in September. For me, this is a sheer waste of taxpayers' money because they will have to transport him back and forth when his trial resumes next year," he stated.

Serial rapist Annanias Mathe, Western Cape gang leader George Thomas, and Umlazi gang leader Sibusiso Mzimela are some of the high-profile inmates to have been kept under 23-hour solitary confinement in this facility.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za